Isham Run

On Sunday, March 9th, a small group of rigs went out to investigate Isham Canyon to see how rough it is. We stopped in Trona to have some breakfast at the Elk’s Lodge and to meet Lee (AKA Ammo Dog). Those along on the adventure were: George & Susan Croll; Jerry & Mary Grimsley; Mark, Hellen & Frankie Kuttor; and Dan Kus from the Gear Grinders, and of course, Ammo Dog. Once introductions where finished and our belly’s where full, we motored our way up to the trail head. Once at the trail head, Ammo Dog and George convinced me to run Isham Canyon with them. Everyone else in the group decided they’d hike the trail … SMART move.

Mark said he’d just try the first obstacle then back down. But after the first obstacle, it was game on. Each obstacle on Isham gets harder than the last. First you have a boulder climb with a hard left turn near the top. Everyone made it without much issue. Second comes some massive rocks. When I say massive I mean it makes a Jeep on 35” tires look like an RC car. George made it through without much fuss, and then came Mark. And out came the winch for the first time. After a series of winches, and one funny looking technique where I rocked the rig a few inches at a time to get the steering unbound so I could turn, I finally was up that obstacle. It goes without saying, Ammo dog motored along behind everyone like it was just another trail.

After a few more obstacles, it was time for the main event … the dreaded “V notch”. Somehow, shuffling was done and I was in the lead. This V notch is wild! Twice, (but who’s counting) my rig came very close to rolling, but finally, with some good guidance, and skill, I made it through.

The end of Isham is one massive bowling ball hill climb. I had to winch up it with several tow ropes & my winch line in a daisy chain; George skated up it; and of course Ammo Dog make it look way too easy.

Everyone survived without any breakage, and everyone had a blast watching all the rigs try each obstacle. It was a true rock crawl fest. I for one can’t wait till the next time we go.